A counter and rental clerk rents equipment and processes transactions at rental counters. You work directly with customers, handle paperwork, and solve problems on the spot. Most positions require only a high school diploma, making this an accessible entry point.
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Counter and rental clerks work at the front line of rental businesses, greeting customers and processing transactions. You document rental agreements, answer questions about equipment and pricing, and handle payments. The role involves active listening to understand customer needs, speaking clearly to explain rental terms, and critical thinking to solve problems when they arise. You communicate with supervisors about inventory and customer issues, identify equipment and record rental details, and use basic math to calculate costs and process refunds.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Counter and Rental Clerks earn a median of $41,300 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 45,900 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most counter and rental clerk positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer candidates with customer service experience, though it is not always required. On the job, you will develop skills in customer service, administrative processes, and communication. The preparation level is moderate, meaning you can learn much of what you need through hands-on training once hired. Consider roles in retail, hospitality, or other customer-facing settings to build relevant experience before applying.
Most people enter this field directly from high school or after gaining some customer service experience. If you are exploring whether this role fits your strengths and interests, Pathly can map the counter and rental clerk path that fits you to map out your next steps with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a counter and rental clerk, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You thrive in structured environments where clear processes matter. You prefer working with facts and details, enjoy helping customers, and take satisfaction in doing things right.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).